TOP NEWS May 12, 2014

Rural hospitals feel pinchThe Wall Street JournalRural hospitals have long been under financial pressure from the rising cost of providing health care, the dwindling number of patients staying overnight and the shift of more profitable services like cardiac care to bigger medical centers.

Minn. bills aim to give women a better workplaceMinneapolis Star TribuneThe Women’s Economic Security Act, comprised of nine separate pieces of legislation, won legislative approval last week with bipartisan support. It forces about 1,000 state contractors to certify that they pay men and women equally for similar jobs , extends parental leave from six to 12 weeks and requires employers to make new accommodations for expectant and new mothers.

States target bad-faith patent claimsAssociated PressCompanies accused of abusing patent claims to seek fees and settlements are themselves becoming a target as states across the United States take aim against what some call "patent trolls."

Wyoming hopes to avoid renovation problems Wyoming Tribune EagleWyoming officials say they are aware of and planning for concerns that have affected other states' Capitol remodels as the state is set to begin one of the most expensive and ambitious construction projects in Wyoming’s history.NCSL's Kae Warnock quoted.

How technology is changing agricultureSince their introduction in 1996, genetically engineered crops have grown rapidly. But concern over the safety of these GMOs continues. Hear what experts from both sides of the debate have to say about this hot issue in a session at the NCSL Legislative Summit.

Human trafficking legislation moves through Congress The U.S. House Judiciary Committee approved two bills on April 30 regarding anti-human trafficking legislation that have direct state impact. It is expected that these bills will be on the floor on the U.S. House of Representatives in mid-May for consideration.